From my experience, when setting up camp if you spot a bear lingering in the woods best to pack up your stuff and move to a new camping area. It is a sure sign he may be a garbage bear and could come back later on looking for a midnight snack.

When I lived near the Yukon, there were some rivers so heavily populated with grizzly bears it was best to eat your supper meal at one spot then move down the river to camp. I always worried that the group before us had the same idea.

I use to carry bear spray on me all the time when hiking in backcountry areas populated with grizzly bears. Funny thing though, when I moved back into the big city I found the pepper spray more useful. I would carrying it while going on city park trails. Lord knows what I may come across in the urban forest.

Personally I think bear spray just makes me feel safer and in control but I have a feeling it is a false sense of security. Best approach to travelling in bear country is be aware, know and follow the rules.

Bonnie